Chapter 40: Mysterious Turns, Rising Storms

Just one morning.

Suddenly, the Forbidden City felt even busier.

Eunuchs hurried past.

Female officials walked with heads bowed.

Guards marched with heads held high.

As if unanimously heightening the atmosphere of tension.

Chen Empress Dowager had originally resided in a separate palace, but after Zhu Yijun’s ascension, he acceded to the Ministry of Rites’ request and, after consulting Li Empress Dowager, moved the Ciqing Palace to him.

Ciqing Palace had once been the Crown Prince’s residence; Zhu Yijun had lived there six years and knew it well.

Yet when Zhu Yijun arrived at Ciqing Palace, the feeling was entirely different.

The familiar buildings now seemed stern and forbidding.

Naturally, someone announced his arrival.

Zhu Yijun waited silently outside the hall.

Not long after, the eunuch Zhang Jing hurried back on small steps.

His face showed fear: “Your Majesty, Grand Eunuch Chen says the Empress Dowager did not rest well last night; the imperial physicians administered medicine, and she has just fallen asleep.”

Zhu Yijun stood outside the hall, motionless.

This reply was identical to the one he received the first time he came to pay respects at her separate palace.

Back then, he had not noticed; now, it was truly hard to put into words.

Back then, he was turned away at the door; now, naturally, the same fate awaited him.

He could not, as emperor, force his way into his stepmother’s bedchamber.

In the end, he could only bow respectfully from afar toward Chen Empress Dowager and turn away.

He still could not understand why Chen Empress Dowager had aided Gao Gong.

For power?

Zhu Yijun shook his head and quickly dismissed it—Gao Gong’s “Five Urgent Matters” memorial advocated strengthening the Grand Secretariat, centralizing imperial authority, and severing the inner court’s interference.

If both sought power, they could never have reached consensus.

Even if Gao Gong made concessions, Chen Empress Dowager had no son—what ulterior motive could she possibly have?

When he came of age to settle accounts, wouldn’t it all be for nothing?

For status?

Zhu Yijun dismissed this hypothesis again.

No matter what, she was Empress Dowager; worst case, she would merely stand equal to Li Empress Dowager. Better to remain still than act—why would she risk everything to aid Gao Gong?

Not impossible, but the likelihood was too low.

He considered every other possibility—kinship, gratitude, and so on—and found them even less plausible.

He could scarcely imagine any reasonable motive.

Could she simply have been deceived by Gao Gong?

That would be an insult to the world.

Since his transmigration, he had suffered at the hands of Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong precisely because he underestimated the ancients.

Now, he could never again harbor such contempt.

Whatever Chen Empress Dowager’s true motive, he must assume the worst.

Zhu Yijun pondered his strategy.

Historically, after Gao Gong’s “Five Urgent Matters” were approved, he was dismissed just two days later.

This meant that after Zhang Juzheng returned, he swiftly devised a plan, won over Chen Empress Dowager, and secured an imperial edict from both the emperor and the two palaces to remove Gao Gong.

Since there was no major upheaval, Chen Empress Dowager’s side must be easier to break than Gao Gong’s.

He did not know what methods the Iron Triangle had used.

But Zhu Yijun knew he could not delay further.

If Chen Empress Dowager and Gao Gong truly seized control of court affairs, the situation would become dire.

Yet.

Zhang Juzheng’s collusion with the inner court required Feng Bao’s mediation.

Gao Gong could not bypass the eunuchs either to establish contact.

Hence, men like Chen Hong were so frantic in their maneuvering.

So… to break this deadlock, he might truly have to rely on the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot.

Zhu Yijun sighed.

After all, when one carries a blade, the will to kill arises naturally.

Thinking this, he looked at Zhang Hong’s adopted son, Zhang Jing, and ordered: “Tell me about Chen Empress Dowager.”

Zhang Jing replied: “Your Majesty, which aspect would you like to hear?”

Zhu Yijun waved his hand: “Tell me everything.”

Faced with this vague request, Zhang Jing began with her biography: “In the fourth month of Jiajing thirty-seven, the late emperor’s primary consort passed away.”

“That same August, the Jiajing Emperor issued an edict to select a new consort for the late emperor.”

Zhu Yijun paused, interrupting: “Only four months? Isn’t mourning supposed to last a year?”

Even for a primary wife, mourning was shortened.

Zhang Jing nodded and explained: “At the time, the Jiajing Emperor personally issued an edict overriding mourning rites; the late emperor could not refuse.”

“On the ninth day of the ninth month, Chen Empress Dowager was chosen as the new consort.”

The Jiajing Emperor’s edict made sense.

His own sons had died too many times—he likely hoped the Prince of Yu would produce more heirs.

But then, no wonder there was no affection.

Zhu Yijun nodded, signaling him to continue.

Zhang Jing continued: “In Longqing first year, after the late emperor ascended the throne, he elevated Chen Empress Dowager to Empress and granted her kin noble titles.”

Zhu Yijun interjected: “How was Chen Empress Dowager’s relationship with her kin?”

This point was crucial.

Chen Empress Dowager must know her current actions would lead to her family’s confiscation.

Yet she persisted regardless—logically, someone with such a vulnerability should not act so recklessly.

It baffled him.

Zhang Jing recalled and said: “Initially, relations were excellent; noble ladies frequently visited.”

“But…”

He paused: “When Chen Empress Dowager was banished to the separate palace by the late emperor, many censors urged him to recall her.”

“Chen’s family also submitted memorials urging him, but after being threatened, they hastily withdrew their petitions and instead defended the late emperor…”

“Since then, all contact ceased; even Chen family members guarding the separate palace were expelled.”

Zhu Yijun listened and thought it treacherous.

Banished to the cold palace, her kin sided with the late emperor for wealth and status—her feelings must have been bitter indeed.

A stepmother Empress Dowager emerging from the cold palace, with the added reputation of abandoning her kin—wasn’t this the classic archetype of a palace intrigue heroine?

He pressed: “In what year was Chen Empress Dowager banished to the separate palace?”

Zhang Jing thought: “In Longqing third year, the late emperor, citing her childlessness and chronic illness, moved her out of Kunning Palace to the separate palace.”

Zhu Yijun frowned and interrupted Zhang Jing again.

He asked: “Childlessness and chronic illness?”

Childlessness was one thing; chronic illness was another.

If she had always been barren, her rejection by the late emperor was understandable—this was a different age.

But chronic illness? If she had always been ill, she could never have passed the selection process for a new consort.

So she became ill later?

Then linking “chronic illness” with “childlessness” was no accident.

Zhang Jing hesitated, lowering his head: “I heard from my adoptive father that Chen Empress Dowager once became pregnant, but miscarried, leaving her with lasting illness.”

Zhu Yijun nodded: “What year?”

Zhang Jing recalled: “Jiajing forty-one.”

Zhu Yijun signaled him to continue.

Zhang Jing continued: “Initially, censors such as Wei Shiliang and He Yibei, and Hanlin scholar Zhan Yangbi, repeatedly petitioned.”

“They urged the late emperor to restore Chen Empress Dowager to the palace.”

Hearing this, Zhu Yijun suddenly remembered something.

He asked: “Was the Director of the Office of State Affairs at that time Chen Hong, Chen Empress Dowager’s former servant?”

These petitions—surely this Director had pushed hard for them.

Zhang Jing bowed respectfully: “Your Majesty has an excellent memory.”

He added, with a slight flattery: “Chen Hong had also advised the late emperor, but nearly lost his post—after that, he dared not speak again.”

Zhu Yijun suddenly dismissed his attendants.

His face grave, he looked at Zhang Jing and asked in a low voice: “Did my mother play a part in this?”

Zhang Jing was startled.

He cast a cautious glance at the Emperor and spoke timidly: “Your Majesty, this servant’s seniority is still shallow…”

A brief introduction is fine, but if it involves the struggle between the Two Palaces, he dared not interject.

But Zhu Yijun did not let the eunuch off the hook.

He spoke slowly, word by word: “I pardon you.”

Zhang Jing shrank his neck, weighed his words, then said: “There is indeed such a rumor in the palace.”

“During that time, Feng Bao and Chen Hong were also fiercely at odds…”

“But whether it was true or not, this servant truly does not know.”

Zhu Yijun nodded expressionlessly.

Palace intrigue and grudges? Better not be some absurd reason like this…

If it truly were so, then Empress Dowager Chen, among all those old foxes like Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong who constantly meddled in state affairs, would be far too out of place.

But he understood women too little; he could only make a mental note of it.

…

The entire palace was a sieve; by morning, the incident had spread quickly.

Court ministers and palace officials soon learned what had happened.

Empress Li naturally found out belatedly.

When Zhu Yijun arrived at Cining Palace, he saw only shards of porcelain scattered on the floor, overturned tables and chairs.

And Empress Li, furious beyond measure.

Zhu Yijun did not immediately step forward to pay his respects; instead, he pulled Feng Bao aside.

He whispered: “Big Bao, what’s wrong with my mother?”

Feng Bao’s mood was equally foul; the three of them were now, so to speak, tied to the same rope by Gao Gong’s pressure.

He remained composed and respectfully replied: “Your Majesty, Her Majesty has taken offense at the honorific title proposed by the Ministry of Rites.”

“Offense” meant, in writing, a furious outburst.

Zhu Yijun frowned: “Has the memorial from the Ministry of Rites reached the Directorate of Ceremonial?”

Feng Bao nodded: “This morning, after the Ministry’s deliberation, the Grand Secretary drafted the approval. Since it did not involve other ministries, no court discussion was required.”

“As for now… it has already been delivered to Ciqing Palace by the Tongzheng Office.”

After speaking, Feng Bao fell silent.

The two stood silently before the door, wordless.

Both knew clearly: once this memorial reached Ciqing Palace, there would be no way to stop it.

Empress Dowager Chen would certainly approve this memorial.

Could Zhu Yijun veto it?

A veto required justification—was it because Empress Li’s title was too low? Or because Empress Dowager Chen’s was too high?

If the former, it would only lead to approval of the memorial, followed by Gao Gong continuing to bestow higher titles upon both Empresses.

Thus, as the tide rises, Empress Li’s title would be two characters, Empress Dowager Chen’s four; when Empress Li’s became four, Empress Dowager Chen’s would be six—always one step behind.

If the latter, to dare criticize the honorific title of one’s stepmother? That would be unfilial!

The reputation of being unfilial to the point of deposing an emperor was a charge no one dared touch.

What if he plainly demanded both Palaces’ titles be equal? Again, if Empress Dowager Chen merely said, “She disrespects her stepmother—that is unfilial!” the problem would be immense.

When one’s status is beneath another’s, any attitude is powerless.

Zhu Yijun asked: “Has Empress Dowager Chen also rejected the Grand Secretary’s memorial requesting retirement?”

Their cooperation was certain; the question was how far it extended.

Feng Bao shook his head: “Empress Chen has retained it in the palace.”

Zhu Yijun was stunned.

Then he understood.

No rejection meant their alliance was not close; otherwise, Empress Dowager Chen would have simply rejected it outright, rather than holding Gao Gong in check this way.

Zhu Yijun said nothing more and turned to enter and see Empress Li.

Suddenly, Feng Bao called out to him: “Your Majesty!”

Zhu Yijun turned back.

Feng Bao bowed deeply: “Your health is paramount. Your Majesty, please gently persuade Her Majesty.”

Zhu Yijun looked deeply at Feng Bao.

This old fox now realized he was afraid? Now he sought Zhu Yijun’s support?

Zhu Yijun nodded: “I will speak gently to my mother.”

“Big Bao, you might as well keep a closer eye on affairs in the Directorate of Ceremonial.”

Feng Bao bowed and took his leave.

Zhu Yijun also turned and pushed open the door.

“Mother, your son has come to pay his respects.”

Empress Li said nothing.

Zhu Yijun silently righted the overturned chairs and kicked aside the porcelain shards.

Empress Li finally turned to look at him and could not help but say anxiously: “The shards might cut your hands—let the palace attendants handle it.”

Zhu Yijun did not stop.

As he gathered the debris, he said: “If I failed to bring you peace of mind and caused you such rage, it is my fault as a son.”

“How could servants’ cleaning make up for my transgression?”

This demeanor somewhat calmed Empress Li.

She snorted through her nose: “This is not your fault—it is that woman in Ciqing Palace…”

Habit from her commoner upbringing, when truly enraged, nearly slipped into vulgar speech.

Seeing her son before her, she quickly corrected herself: “It is your sister who has gone too far!”

Zhu Yijun said nothing.

Empress Li continued: “We, mother and son, remembered her long residence in another palace and even vacated Ciqing Palace for her.”

“Now look—she does not appreciate it, and instead colludes with Gao Gong to prevent his retirement, all for the sake of a title!”

Zhu Yijun listened quietly.

Empress Li seemed to have a whole storehouse of grievances: “Fine! I can just yield to her!”

“But what kind of man is Gao Gong?”

“He wants to abolish the Directorate of Ceremonial and restrict the Emperor’s power!”

“As your stepmother, does she care not at all for your interests?!”

“It’s simply… simply…”

Hearing this, Zhu Yijun suddenly raised his head.

He interrupted Empress Li.

His tone was light, calm: “Mother, when the late Emperor banished Empress Dowager Chen to another palace, did you not stir things up?”

Empress Li looked up.

She stared at her son in astonishment.

She opened her mouth, raised a finger toward the Emperor: “You… you’re accusing me of provoking her first?”

Zhu Yijun stood motionless.

He replied noncommittally: “If your claim is merely about the title, I could have petitioned for her myself—no need to collude with Gao Gong.”

“I simply do not understand. I ask you to explain.”

Empress Li lowered her trembling hand, her eyes slightly moist.

Finally, she broke down: “Good, good! Now that problems arise, everyone blames me!”

“I raised you through hardship and toil!”

“Emperor Shizong had eight sons, seven died; our late Emperor lost daughter after daughter; Crown Prince Xianhuai died at five!”

“I feared you would be harmed by hidden enemies, touched by even the slightest poison.”

“Now that my son has grown, he dares to blame his own mother!”

“Because she colludes with Gao Gong and makes you uneasy, you blame me?!”

She wept bitterly on the bed, pouring all her grievances of the day onto her son.

Seeing her son remain motionless, her heart grew even sadder.

Jiang Keqian and Zhang Jing, on guard outside, kept far away, daring not to listen even a word.

“Enough!”

A sudden low command rang through the room.

Empress Li stared at him in shock.

She had never imagined her son would speak to her this way.

Her whole body trembled; her emotions were clearly beyond control.

Zhu Yijun gave her no chance to speak.

He slowly approached her, as she stared at him in disbelief.

Because of her age, even seated at the edge of the bed, Li Empress Dowager was nearly as tall as Zhu Yijun.

He extended both hands.

He cupped Li Empress Dowager’s cheeks and gently brushed away her tears with his thumbs.

He pressed his forehead against hers.

His voice trembled as he spoke: “Mother.”

“Your son remembers every bit of it.”

“How could I forget how you protected me?”

“Each night, you checked on me four or five times.”

“If I cried, you scolded Feng Bao, Zhang Hong, and others, stripped me naked, and inspected me from head to toe.”

“Even the food I ate, you tasted first yourself.”

“How could I forget any of these things?”

“You nurtured me with maternal kindness; I shall repay you with filial devotion.”

“The moment I ascended the throne, I intended to bestow favors upon my maternal uncle.”

“I studied diligently every day, hoping never to disappoint you.”

“I attended court earnestly, longing to shield you from wind and rain as soon as possible.”

“Now… now…”

“Gao Gong pressures me, my stepmother oppresses me, court ministers treat me as a child, I am lonely and alone—other than you, who else is there!?”

“You are distrusted by the outer court, deceived by the eunuchs, humiliated by the Empress, abandoned and alone—other than your son, who else is there!?”

“We are orphan and widow, bound together in survival—how could we allow even a trace of suspicion?”

Li Empress Dowager, stunned by the Emperor’s sudden change of expression, stood frozen in place.

Under her gaze, Zhu Yijun spoke slowly, each word deliberate: “You raised me for ten years—I remember every moment.”

“Now that I have ascended the throne, Mother, rest assured—I shall care for you from now on.”

“Speak your heart to me sincerely; entrust your affairs to me to handle!”

“Trust me!”

Saying this, Zhu Yijun stepped back and bowed deeply.

In eyes unwatched, a flash of resolve passed.

The outer court was one thing—but now, within the palace, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot were no longer restrained.

Do they truly believe I would not dare to strike in the dark?